Describe and explain the central features of infant and believers baptism.

Extracts from this document...

Introduction

Describe and explain the central features of infant and believers baptism (400-600 words) Baptism is based on the baptism of Jesus. In Mark 1:9-11 we find out that Jesus was baptised in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. When he was baptised he saw heaven opening and the Spirit coming down on him like a dove. In Jesus' baptism he was immersed in water. Water represents sin being washed away and a new life with God. Baptism represents an end to the person's old life of sin and a new beginning with God. In the early church, Baptism was reserved for adults. ...read more.

Middle

In the early church, people were baptised by immersion. They entered into a river or a pool and were submerged in its waters. Believer's baptism is when adults are baptised. The person who wants to be baptised explains why they want baptised and are asked questions about their beliefs. The baptised person is taking on the life of a Christian. Some churches, teach that baptism must be reserved for adults. You are normally baptised as an adult in the Baptist church, the Christian Brethren and the Pentecostal Church. During infant baptism present are: the baby, the parents, the priest, the godparents and the congregation. ...read more.

Conclusion

A prayer follows which asks for God's blessing on the person being baptised. The candidate is asked questions about their beliefs. The candidate is taken into the water, (usually a large pool called a baptistery), and completely immersed in the water. In infant baptism water is normally only sprinkled over their head. He/she says aloud 'Jesus is Lord'. Then there is the 'laying on of hands' on the person's head. This doesn't happen in infant baptism. The candidate is welcomed into the church as a full member. The service concludes with a celebration of the Lord's Supper. In believers and infant baptism water is used. Water is a symbol of being cleansed of sin and new life. The sign of the cross is used in both; it is a sign that we now belong to Jesus. Total - 597 words ...read more.

The above preview is unformatted text

This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Baptism section.

Related GCSE Baptism essays

mass so that when the child grows up he can be an example to others by living a life of generosity and mercy like Jesus. In the Old Testament, oil was used when altars were being consecrated, and it was used for anointing priests, prophets and kings, as well as dead bodies.

Why not let them grow, and then as adults, they can make up their own mind? This could have a positive affect because this person will be more mature, therefore they will now what they are letting themselves in for.

They promote world equality and world peace. This is done mostly through charities like Trocaire, Christian aid and St. Vincent de Paul. These are charities in which everyone can help. These charities are usually set up by someone who feels the need to help the world's poverty, chastity and obedience.

The service is carried out in front of the whole church, and the believer has to make a statement about his/her faith before the following symbolic acts take place: The person descends down some steps and into a pool to show that they are leaving their old life as if in death as Jesus died wen he was crucified.

It reminds us of the help God will give us to help us live a Christian life. Also the oil of catechumens is a sign of healing that God heals the self-inflicted wounds of sin and the damage of original sin.

When looking at any of the sacraments it is important to identify the visible and invisible sides of the sacrament. There are seven sacraments in the Catholic Church and they mark significant events in the person's life. Below are the seven sacraments (1)

This is simply when a person is called by there name it make the more individual as a person and more unique before our holy father. Tradition tells us that in the catholic religion sometime the infant is named after a saint of the church, which would lead onto the catholic belief in the 'communion of saints'.

The other is the oil of Chrism, which like the oil of Catechumens, is a sign of strength against temptation but it is also a symbol of blessing for special serviced in the Family of God. After the anointing, the child is then dressed in a white garment, which is a sign of new life and faith.